CanadaHarassment Training Requirements

Harassment training in Canada is designed to help employers and employees understand how to recognize, prevent, and report workplace harassment. While not every province has mandatory harassment training requirements for all employees, several provinces have specific laws that require harassment training for supervisors and workers. Providing this training helps create a safer, more respectful workplace and ensures legal compliance in provinces where it is required.

Yes, harassment training is required in certain provinces under occupational health and safety laws:

• Ontario: Employers must provide harassment training to all employees under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Training must cover workplace harassment policies, reporting procedures, and employee rights.
• British Columbia: Employers are required to prevent and address workplace harassment under the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Training must educate employees on recognizing harassment, reporting it, and understanding employer obligations.
• Quebec: The Act Respecting Labour Standards mandates that employers establish a psychological harassment prevention policy, including training for employees on their rights, employer responsibilities, and reporting mechanisms.
• Alberta: Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers must ensure that workers are trained on workplace harassment policies, reporting procedures, and how complaints are handled.
• Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Employment Act requires employers to implement harassment prevention policies, with training to educate employees on what constitutes harassment, how to report it, and employer responsibilities.
• Manitoba: The Workplace Safety and Health Regulation requires employers to train employees on harassment policies, their rights and responsibilities, and available reporting mechanisms.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations mandate that employers provide harassment prevention training, ensuring employees understand workplace policies and how to report harassment.
• Prince Edward Island: The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires training on workplace harassment, covering employer obligations, employee rights, and the process for reporting concerns.

Provinces and Territories Without Explicit Training Mandates:

• Nova Scotia: While training is not expressly required, it is strongly recommended to maintain a respectful workplace.
• New Brunswick: The General Regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act addresses workplace harassment but does not explicitly mandate training.
• Northwest Territories and Nunavut: Both territories have Occupational Health and Safety Regulations that address workplace harassment, but they do not explicitly require training.
• Yukon: Workplace harassment laws exist, but there is no explicit mandate for training.

It’s important to note that while some provinces and territories do not explicitly require harassment training, providing such training is considered a best practice to foster a respectful and legally compliant workplace. Employers should stay informed about any changes to legislation to ensure ongoing compliance.

Emtrain’s Harassment Training Canada course covers a wide range of topics to ensure both compliance and a healthy work culture, including:

• Recognizing different forms of workplace harassment, including verbal, physical, and sexual harassment
• Legal obligations for employers and employees under Canadian law
• Strategies for preventing harassment and fostering an inclusive workplace
• Procedures for reporting harassment, including dealing with workplace violence
• How to appropriately handle complaints and conduct investigations

This comprehensive course ensures that your organization remains proactive in maintaining a respectful and legally compliant workplace.

The frequency of harassment training varies by province:

• Ontario: Employers must provide harassment training to all employees annually as part of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
• British Columbia: While the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation require employers to prevent workplace harassment, there is no fixed training frequency. However, training should be provided regularly, particularly when policies are updated or new employees are hired.
• Quebec: Employers must implement a harassment prevention policy, including training, but the law does not specify an exact frequency. Best practices suggest providing training at least every two to three years and whenever significant policy changes occur.
• Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island: These provinces require employers to develop workplace harassment policies and provide training, but they do not mandate a set schedule. Training should be refreshed periodically, especially for supervisors and new hires.

Even in provinces without a strict mandate, periodic training helps ensure compliance, reinforces a respectful workplace culture, and mitigates legal risks.

Emtrain offers customizable Harassment Training Canada courses that comply with the specific legal requirements in various provinces. Our platform provides engaging, accessible, and up-to-date content that ensures your organization is meeting or exceeding local compliance standards while fostering a positive workplace culture.

Harassment training focuses on creating awareness about inappropriate behaviors and promoting respectful conduct in the workplace. It addresses issues such as bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment. In contrast, Workplace Violence Prevention Training focuses on preventing physical violence, threats, and aggressive behavior in the workplace. Emtrain recommends both training courses to ensure a comprehensive approach to workplace safety and compliance.

Yes! Emtrain provides customizable harassment training solutions, allowing you to tailor the content to reflect your organization’s policies, specific industry needs, and any unique aspects of your workplace. Whether you need to focus on specific harassment issues or integrate company-specific scenarios, Emtrain’s platform offers flexibility for your compliance training.

Emtrain’s interactive and engaging course design ensures employees remain actively involved throughout the training. With video scenarios, quizzes, and instant feedback, our courses promote deeper learning and help employees understand how to apply anti-harassment principles in their day-to-day activities.

Failing to comply with harassment training requirements can result in legal consequences, including fines and legal action in provinces where training is mandatory. Additionally, not addressing harassment can lead to a toxic workplace environment, low employee morale, and potential litigation. Even if not required by law in your province, providing harassment training is an important step in fostering a respectful, safe, and productive workplace.

Emtrain offers a comprehensive approach to harassment prevention that goes beyond training. Our platform includes tools for assessing training effectiveness, gathering anonymous feedback, and ensuring ongoing learning. With additional resources like culture surveys and compliance reports, Emtrain helps organizations maintain a harassment-free workplace and address issues proactively.